Four fire engines, three ambulances and multiple police teams were called to the cemetery at Langley Road at 5.12pm on Wednesday 18 March.
A member of the public is thought to have reported a concern for welfare for the woman.
Police divers are searching upstream and downstream, as well as teams working their way along the Irwell riverbanks.
The police helicopter, based at Barton Airport, has also been drafted into the search to provide overhead support.
Emergency services are planning to be on site for at least an hour while they carry out the search.
The operation is causing major traffic disruption and drivers are being asked to try to find alternative routes.
Update: As of 6.30pm emergency crews have completed their search and are understood to have left the scene.
Traffic is still very chaotic in and around the area.
